On Weds, Oct 23, Friends of the Aery Faery Tangent host an evening "discussion cafe" on the topic "alternative impact investing".
Many of us, after saving over years, have investments. But we may be troubled. Do our investments match our values? For example, do we try to limit our fossil carbon footprint while our investments support tar sands, pipelines and tankers? Are we buying into a stock market that is more a casino than building a better world?
There are various "ethical" and "socially responsible" funds which seek to screen out activities we don't wish to support. "Impact" investing takes this a step further, proactively investing where we think it matters, making investments in people, generating economic benefit along with environmental, social and governance impacts in communities and lives.
But are savings safe with "impact" investing? How do you feel about "fair" if not "huge" return? Would you seek a balance with some part of your savings in "impact" investing? Can we be part of a community for change?
You will hear from three people who have been intimately involved in community development through micro loans and other financing that impact lives of millions of people from here in Canada to over 70 countries throughout the world.
Lisa Helps is executive director of Victoria Community MicroLending, helping build vibrant local economy, foster sustainable business, reduce poverty, and empower people. Lisa is a Victoria city councillor and formerly a director of the Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group.
Jo Jamieson has spent more than 36 years in finance and global development in India and in Canada. Jo was a director with Oikocredit in Netherlands then director and treasurer with Oikocredit Canada - West, working to reduce global poverty by helping people build sustainable lives with dignity.
Rebecca Pearson is an account manager for Vancity Community Business, working with small and medium-sized businesses, co-operatives, and non-profits. Rebecca helped launch Resilient Capital Program, which won a 2013 National Credit Union Award for community development including green building and sustainable transportation.
After presentations by Lisa, Jo and Rebecca, we'll form a roundtable to discuss questions, concerns and hopes.
Weds, Oct 23 at Crumsbys Schoolhouse Cafe, 4525 W Saanich Rd.
Social time (coffee, tea or snack) 6:30pm to 7, presentations begin at 7pm, roundtable follows.
As space is limited, please help us estimate a headcount by RSVP to [email protected]